Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear has appeared at a charity walk for Alzheimer’s Society – amid her own battle with the disease.
The soap star, 81, who famously played Bet Lynch between 1966 and 2003, confirmed in June via her husband Scott that she was suffering from dementia. At the time, it was reported she had been suffering forgetfulness for “some time.”
Scott admitted he was “heartbroken” with his wife’s diagnosis. He also revealed that Julie’s condition will get “progressively” worse.
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This week, the soap icon was seen bringing her support to Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walks. Accompanied by husband Scott, Julie headed over to Heaton Park to take part in the charity’s flagship fundraiser across the 2-7km route.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
Speaking about the walk, Scott said: “Julie and I are delighted to be supporting the Manchester Memory Walk in Heaton Park this year. We want to make sure that anyone else who has been impacted by a dementia diagnosis knows they are not alone – we know that one in three of us born today will go on to develop dementia, and so many more families, friends and carers will be affected as a result.
“Since receiving Julie’s diagnosis, the support we have had from Alzheimer’s Society’s team in Rochdale has been amazing. It has helped to take such a burden off our shoulders.”
Scott also opened up about Julie’s condition, and explained: “Julie is now living with Alzheimer’s, not suffering with it – and that’s a big difference. Calling these events ‘Memory Walks’ is most appropriate; of course, memory is one of the things most affected by this cruel disease, but Julie and I are also trying to make more memories together. Taking part in this walk was a wonderful new memory for us to share.”
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Julie first appeared as Bet on Corrie for nine episodes in 1966 before becoming a series regular from 1970 until 1995. In 1979, she left the soap temporarily after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, prompting her to find the Julie Goodyear Cancer Screening Centre.
The last time she rocked up to the cobbles was in 2003, where she appeared for a further seven episodes. In 2012, she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house and made it to Day 22, when she was evicted with Lorenzo Borghese.
Alzheimer’s Society vows to end the devastation caused by dementia, providing help and hope for everyone affected. For more information or to make a donation, visit alzheimers.org.uk.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
